Six Islamic State militants killed in campaign, southeastern Mosul: Officer

Mosul (IraqiNews.com) Iraqi troops killed six Islamic State militants in a security campaign launched in southeast of Mosul on Tuesday, Anadolu Agency reported.

“The federal investigations and intelligence agency submitted information to the National Security Agency over presence of six out of 20 militants, who previously infiltrated into Mosul, are there at a residential house in al-Shaimaa region, southeast of the city,” Cap. Mohamed Atwan al-Ghanimi, of the agency, said.

“Joint troops of the agency and the army’s elite Counter-Terrorism Service headed toward the target after drawing accurate plan,” he added.

Troops, according to Ghanimi, urged the militants to turn in themselves. However, they rejected and started confrontations. The snipers began with opening fire against the militants from several directions.

“In less than 10 minutes, all the militants were attacked. No casualties were reported among troops and civilians,” Atwan said.

Efforts are made to look for the rest of the militants, after information showed they sneaked toward the center of the city from desert regions, according to the officer.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi declared in July victory over IS militants who had held the second largest Iraqi city since 2014. More than 25,000 Islamic State militants were killed throughout the campaign.

Iraqi forces, backed by a U.S.-led coalition and paramilitary troops, have been fighting since October 2016 to retake territories Islamic State had occupied.

Earlier this month, Abadi announced full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members. The declaration came after Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir Yarallah, commander of Upper Euphrates and Jazirah Combing Operations, announced liberation of all Iraqi lands from IS.